Ok, a very unexpected update to my Timor-Leste story that has left me with a huge smile on my face. Aero Dili decided to let me board the flight from Bali thanks to something I did the day before that I thought had failed.
Aero Dili Issued My Boarding Pass 25 Minutes Before Departure In Bali, Let Me Board!
I mentioned (and even posted a screenshot) that I tried to check in for my Aero Dili flight from Bali to Dili shortly after the ticket was issued. I was able to choose a seat (6A) and input my passport details, but then I noticed a warning at the top:
Attention! If you’re flying from Denpasar to Dili, online check-in is available exclusively for Timor-Leste passport holders.
I put in my passport details anyway, clicked “check-in,” and received the following message:
As I shared earlier, when I showed up at the check-in counter, I was told I was too late, even without checked bags.
I’m so thankful I did not walk away!
Instead, I walked about 10 paces from the counter, pulled out my phone, and opened the Hyatt app to reserve my room in Bali for the night and then cancel my ticket on Aero Dili.
All of a sudden, the woman at the check-in counter ran over to me.
She said, “You checked in online! We see you in seat 6A. My manager said that we can let you on.”
I couldn’t believe it…I was ecstatic.
She took my passport and literally started plugging in everything again. Aero Dili must use a common-use check-in counter and she plugged the computer and printer back in, scanned my passport, then printed out my boarding pass.
By the time, it was 1:00 pm…departure was in 25 minutes. She pointed to her right told me to run through immigration and security and to hurry.
I did…and when the agent in the security line saw that my flight was due to takeoff in 25 minutes, he directed me over to the handicapped security line where I quickly passed through. You now depart Indonesia via e-gate and no longer have to be stamped out.
I passed through that, navigated through the annoying duty free shop, and ran to the gate, where boarding had just begun.
This was Bali…90ºF and extremely humid. Despite the a/c inside the airport, I was dropping in sweat and took a few minutes to cool down as I watched the flight board.
Finally, I boarded and took my seat, where I found I had the entire row to myself.
I was on my way to Dili, quite unexpectedly, but it was meant to be!
The moral of the story: check-in online?
Next: my Aero Dili flight.
I’m sharing about my whirlwind trip through Asia.
Unbelievable!
To think you made only two posts out of this, when you could have manufactured at least three!
Gotta pay the bills.
But admit it, this was pretty cool.
Nowhere to buy lottery tickets before boarding?
Very lucky! I’ve had similar “photo finish” situations but none this close. Good to know that trying to check in online helped you out.
Wow that’s very lucky for you to be able to board! I was just reading your other post about missing this flight, what a quick update!
Yay!
Moral of the story…..only suckers and those half dead buy travel insurance. Bigger grifter industry than Travel Blogging and “Influencers”.
That said, I love grifting and seeing people waste their money. As I’m sure you agree, it’s why the “rich” get richer and the average Ham & Egger gets 2 weeks vacation a year. While being “thankful” one day a year because the media told them to, eating turkey and a bunch of other stuff they wouldn’t consider the other 364/5 days of the year. Total tools.
I’m very happy you got to make the visit you wanted though, truly. I’ll never get it but to each his own.
It wasn’t insurance per se, but a $90 option to make the ticket refundable. Was that ultimately unnecessary? Yeah, it was. But this surprise twist in the story was truly unexpected and as you said in the prior post, noting my extremely tight connection, this sort of additional flexibility made sense.
Dave, travel insurance is still worthwhile, regardless of missing a flight; there is coverage for health incidents, which can be the most costly while abroad, repatriation flights, etc. Otherwise, losing prepaid accommodations, that’s one I’ve received as reimbursement several times. Check the fine print; only get policies that cover what you expect.
Well done, Matt. Nice photo of yourself, too. Good lookin’ striped shirt.
Well done.in mitigating risk. Always have a plan B. Enjoy your journey.
And, even if you’re a lightpacker, also have… ‘Plan B’ …as well.
Soooo happy for you. Can’t wait for a full report.
American Airlines often shows flights via dili from Asia to Australia on Qantas fyi.
Yippee don’t forget to update your bio on countries visited!